50/50 Custody Part Two: Alternating Weeks & 2-2-5-5

In part two of our 50/50 custody schedule series, we'll take a look at the alternating weeks and 2-2-5-5 custody schedules. These are two of many 50/50 schedule options.

Alternating weeks custody schedule

The alternating weeks child custody schedule is basic and easy to implement. First, one parent has the child for a week. Then, the child stays with the other parent for a week.

The main benefit is that your child has a lengthy stay at each home, which makes them feel less like a visitor. This schedule can also benefit children in school because it lets each parent get a handle on the homework and activities during their week. Older children and those who struggle with frequent change usually do best on this schedule.

One of the biggest downfalls of this schedule is that the child has to be away from each parent for a whole week. Some parents overcome this by having a dinner with the child one night during the other parent's week.

2-2-5-5 custody schedule

The 2-2-5-5 child custody schedule is more complex to understand but easy to implement. One parent has the child for two assigned weeknights (e.g., Monday, Tuesday). Then, the child goes to the other parent's home for their two assigned weeknights (e.g., Wednesday, Thursday).

Next, the child goes back to the first parent's home for a three-day weekend and the first two assigned week nights, which equals five nights. The child then goes to the second parent's home for their assigned weeknights and the following three-day weekend.

This schedule is great because each parent has two weeknights that don't change. This makes planning activities much easier. (e.g., If your child has piano on Tuesdays, only one parent ever has to take them.) This schedule is also good if both parents want to be a part of their child's life weekly, while rotating weekends.

The biggest issue with this schedule was mentioned in Part One of this series: some parents and children struggle going back and forth during the week. It takes work and constant communication between parents, the child and the school to ensure this schedule is efficient.

Making an alternating weeks or 2-2-5-5 schedule

There's a lot to think about when you build a parenting time schedule. You'll want it to address holidays and school breaks, give the right amount of time to each parent, and work for years to come.

The Custody X Change app makes it easy. Just follow the steps to make a custody schedule. In Step 2, select either the "every other week" or "2-2-5-5" button.

To make a custody schedule quickly and affordably, turn to Custody X Change. You'll get a written schedule and a visual calendar that meet your family's needs, as well as court standards.

More 50/50 custody schedules

Part 1: Every 2 Days & 2-2-3

Part 3: Two Weeks Each & 3-4-4-3